'Match Fixing' Film Perpetuates Negative Stereotypes Against Muslims, Aggravates Tensions Between Communities: Plea In Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court is likely to hear a plea seeking a stay on the release of the controversial film "Match Fixing - The Nation Is At Stake" which is based on the 2008 Malegaon Blast Case, as it perpetuates negative stereotypes against Muslims.

The petition seeks a stay on the film's release on the ground that the Trailer of the film itself contains several 'baseless and false' stereotypes depicting Muslims as perpetrators of violence and promoting hatred against the country.

The petitioner - Nadim Khan, has stated that he came across the film's Trailer on October 23 on YouTube and that he was shocked and deeply saddened by certain depictions and references. 

"These references are not only disrespectful and disturbing but also contribute to a broader atmosphere of intolerance and misunderstanding toward's the petitioner's faith (Islam). The Trailer contains highly offensive and derogatory content targeting the Muslim community. Though it is prejudicial depiction of Muslim characters, the Trailer promotes stereotypes associating Islam with terrorism and violence. The portrayal undermines the dignity of Muslim community, injures their religious sentiments and creates potential for communal disharmony," the plea states.

Further the plea points out various 'objectionable' facts in the Trailer such as the names of characters which are distinctly Muslim names and are shown to be involved in acts of terrorism. It also points out the use of certain phrases like "Allah-u-Akbar" and "Nara-e-Takbir" in conversations, which propagates hatred towards India.

"These phrases which hold deep spiritual significance for practising Muslims are misappropriated in scenes that glorify violence and terrorism against India. The misuse of such expressions is not only disrespectful but also amounts than affront to the religious beliefs of the Muslim community. This depiction creates an unjust and false association between Islamic practices and terrorism, perpetuating negative stereotypes against Muslims," the petition reads.

In addition to promoting communal discord, the trailer indicates that terrorism is orchestrated on both political and communal grounds suggesting political opportunism in the portrayal of religious groups, the plea points out.

"It implies that incidents of violence are exploited to serve electoral interests, further aggravating tensions between two communities. This narrative is highly irresponsible as it deepens mistrust and divides people along religious lines," the plea underscores.

The film besides outraging religious sentiments of the Muslim community, also infringes the fundamental rights guaranteed to the community under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India. 

This petition was moved during the vacations and a bench of Justices Sandeep Marne and Manjusha Deshpande had permitted the petitioner to amend his petition as the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) submitted that it has already granted a certificate for the release of the film.

The bench has posted the matter for further hearing on Monday, before a regular bench of the High Court.

Proceedings For Ban on Film In Special Court

Meanwhile, on Friday (Nov 8) a special court here in Mumbai, permitted the producers of the controversial film to intervene in the proceedings initiated by one of the accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, seeking a 'ban' on the film at least till the culmination of the trial in the case. 

According to accused Sameer Kulkarni, the film would raise question on the fairness of the trial of the case as the film is based on 'saffron terrorism.' 

The NIA through Special Public Prosecutor Avinash Rasal too filed its reply to the plea filed by Kulkarni and the agency cited a 2019 order passed by the special court which prohibited any discussion or debate over the subject of the trial in the case. The NIA while referring to the film's CD produced in the court, said that it 'resembles facts and circumstances of the case' and thus sought 'appropriate orders.'

Special judge AK Lahoti, viewed the Trailer of the film in open court on Thursday and permitted the makers of the film to intervene in the proceedings. The special court is also likely to hear the plea on Monday.